Banksia caleyi, the red lantern banksia, is a species of dense, woody shrub of the family Proteaceae native to Western Australia. It generally grows up to 2 m (7 ft) tall, with serrated leaves and red inflorescences. First described by Scottish naturalist Robert Brown in 1830, it was named in honour of the English botanist George Caley. No subspecies are recognised. It is one of three or four closely related species within the genus with hanging inflorescences. Found from the vicinity of Jerramungup to south and east of the Stirling Range, B. caleyi is killed by periodic bushfires and regenerates by seed afterwards. The species was classified as "Not Threatened" under the Wildlife Conservation Act of Western Australia. In contrast to most other Western Australian banksias, it appears to have some resistance to dieback from the soil-borne water mould Phytophthora cinnamomi, and is comparatively easy to grow in cultivation.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banksia_caleyi

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1710:

Queen Anne's War: French and Wabanaki forces surrendered to end the Siege of Port Royal, giving the British permanent possession of Nova Scotia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Port_Royal_%281710%29

1843:

B'nai B'rith, the oldest continually operating Jewish service organization in the world, was founded in New York City. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%27nai_B%27rith

1917:

At least 30,000 people witnessed the Miracle of the Sun in the fields of Cova da Iria near Fátima, Portugal. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_of_the_Sun

1972:

Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crashed into a remote area in the Andes mountains near the border of Chile and Argentina; the remaining 16 survivors were not rescued until December 23. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguayan_Air_Force_Flight_571

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

hogshead: 1. (Britain) An English measure of capacity for liquids, containing 63 wine gallons, or about 52½ imperial gallons; a half pipe. 2. A large barrel or cask of indefinite contents, especially one containing from 100 to 140 gallons. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hogshead

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

It was painful for me several years ago when several friends were arrested. I said nothing. I didn’t want to lose my job or my freedom. I worried about my family. I have made a different choice now. I have left my home, my family and my job, and I am raising my voice. To do otherwise would betray those who languish in prison. I can speak when so many cannot. I want you to know that Saudi Arabia has not always been as it is now. We Saudis deserve better.   --Jamal Khashoggi https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Jamal_Khashoggi